-
Cureus Apr 2024Background Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common substance use disorders globally. It is a chronic mental illness characterized by frequent...
Background Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common substance use disorders globally. It is a chronic mental illness characterized by frequent relapses. Hence, preventing relapse is one of the most important aspects of the management of patients with AUD. Aims This study aimed to compare the role of acamprosate and baclofen as anti-craving agents in patients diagnosed with AUD. Settings and design This was a 12-week interventional follow-up study conducted in the Department of Psychiatry of S N Medical College, a tertiary care teaching hospital in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods and materials Patients with AUD were enrolled in the study. Following medical management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, patients were alternately assigned to receive either acamprosate or baclofen and were then followed up for 12 weeks. Measures to compare the effectiveness of the two medications were craving as measured using the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), days to first alcohol consumption, days to relapse, number of drinks consumed at one occasion, number of patients who completed the study, and number of patients who remained abstinent throughout the duration of the study. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data while unpaired t-test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the two groups. Results A total of 63 patients were enrolled in the study. Following medical management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms for one week, 50 (79.37%) patients were retained in the study. Hence, these 50 patients were assigned to treatment with either acamprosate or baclofen alternately in a 1:1 ratio. Only 32 (64%) of the patients who were started on these medications completed the study and were available for analysis at the end of 12 weeks. Acamprosate-treated patients were found to have less severe cravings (p < 0.01) for alcohol at the end of the study and also had consumed less number of drinks on a single occasion (p < 0.05). For other variables being considered in the study, namely, days to first alcohol consumption, days to relapse to previous drinking pattern, number of patients who dropped from the study versus those who completed the study, and those who were abstinent versus those who relapsed, no statistically significant difference was noted. Conclusion Acamprosate-treated patients had significantly lesser cravings for alcohol and consumed a lesser number of drinks on one occasion compared to baclofen-treated patients in this 12-week study.
PubMed: 38741835
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58174 -
The Journal of Headache and Pain May 2024GABA, a key inhibitory neurotransmitter, has synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. Background GABA, which spills over from the synaptic cleft,...
BACKGROUND
GABA, a key inhibitory neurotransmitter, has synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. Background GABA, which spills over from the synaptic cleft, acts on extrasynaptic delta subunit containing GABAA receptors. The role of extrasynaptic GABAergic input in migraine is unknown. We investigated the susceptibility to valid migraine-provoking substances with clinically relevant behavioral readouts in Genetic Absence Epilepsy of Rats Strasbourg (GAERS), in which the GABAergic tonus was altered. Subsequently, we screened relevant GABAergic mechanisms in Wistar rats by pharmacological means to identify the mechanisms.
METHODS
Wistar and GAERS rats were administered nitroglycerin (10 mg/kg) or levcromakalim (1 mg/kg). Mechanical allodynia and photophobia were assessed using von Frey monofilaments and a dark-light box. Effects of GAT-1 blocker tiagabine (5 mg/kg), GABAB receptor agonist baclofen (2 mg/kg), synaptic GABAA receptor agonist diazepam (1 mg/kg), extrasynaptic GABAA receptor agonists gaboxadol (4 mg/kg), and muscimol (0.75 mg/kg), T-type calcium channel blocker ethosuximide (100 mg/kg) or synaptic GABAA receptor antagonist flumazenil (15 mg/kg) on levcromakalim-induced migraine phenotype were screened.
RESULTS
Unlike Wistar rats, GAERS exhibited no reduction in mechanical pain thresholds or light aversion following nitroglycerin or levcromakalim injection. Ethosuximide did not reverse the resistant phenotype in GAERS, excluding the role of T-type calcium channel dysfunction in this phenomenon. Tiagabine prevented levcromakalim-induced mechanical allodynia in Wistar rats, suggesting a key role in enhanced GABA spillover. Baclofen did not alleviate mechanical allodynia. Diazepam failed to mitigate levcromakalim-induced migraine phenotype. Additionally, the resistant phenotype in GAERS was not affected by flumazenil. Extrasynaptic GABAA receptor agonists gaboxadol and muscimol inhibited periorbital allodynia in Wistar rats.
CONCLUSION
Our study introduced a rat strain resistant to migraine-provoking agents and signified a critical involvement of extrasynaptic δGABAergic receptors. Extrasynaptic δ GABAA receptors, by mediating constant background inhibition on the excitability of neurons, stand as a novel drug target with a therapeutic potential in migraine.
Topics: Animals; Rats, Wistar; Migraine Disorders; Rats; Receptors, GABA-A; Male; Phenotype; Disease Models, Animal; Hyperalgesia; Epilepsy, Absence; Nitroglycerin; Photophobia
PubMed: 38724972
DOI: 10.1186/s10194-024-01777-4 -
Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry 2024We report herein an enantioselective palladium-catalyzed Heck-Matsuda reaction for the desymmetrization of -protected 2,5-dihydro-1-pyrroles with aryldiazonium salts,...
We report herein an enantioselective palladium-catalyzed Heck-Matsuda reaction for the desymmetrization of -protected 2,5-dihydro-1-pyrroles with aryldiazonium salts, using the chiral ,-ligand ()-PyraBox. This strategy has allowed straightforward access to a diversity of 4-aryl-γ-lactams via Heck arylation followed by a sequential Jones oxidation. The overall method displays a broad scope and good enantioselectivity, favoring the () enantiomer. The applicability of the protocol is highlighted by the efficient enantioselective syntheses of the selective phosphodiesterase-4-inhibitor rolipram and the commercial drug baclofen as hydrochloride.
PubMed: 38711594
DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.20.84 -
Scientific Reports May 2024An experimental design and response surface methodologies using Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken designs were applied for selecting and optimizing the most appropriate...
An experimental design and response surface methodologies using Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken designs were applied for selecting and optimizing the most appropriate parameters which significantly affect the separation and quantitative estimation of five skeletal muscle relaxants and four analgesic drugs (baclofen, methocarbamol, dantrolene sodium, orphenadrine citrate, cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, ketoprofen, etoricoxib, ibuprofen, and mefenamic acid) with a relatively short duration of analysis in a single run. For the separation of the nine drugs, an INERTSIL ODS-V3-5 µm C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm I.D.) was used with the optimum mobile phase conditions (45.15 mM ammonium acetate buffer pH 5.56 adjusted with acetic acid, acetonitrile, and methanol in a ratio of 30.5:29.5:40, v/v/v with a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min) and UV-detection at 220 nm. The optimized method was successfully subjected to the validation steps as described in ICH guidelines for linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, and sensitivity. The optimized and validated method was effectively applied to determine the content of the studied drugs in their pharmaceutical preparations and to expand its applicability to the counterfeit estimation of etoricoxib in different brands of tablet dosage forms.
Topics: Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Analgesics; Neuromuscular Agents; Reproducibility of Results; Chromatography, Reverse-Phase; Research Design
PubMed: 38710733
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58381-4 -
BMC Neurology Apr 2024Spasticity can significantly affect a patient's quality of life, caregiver satisfaction, and the financial burden on the healthcare system. Baclofen is one of only a few... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Spasticity can significantly affect a patient's quality of life, caregiver satisfaction, and the financial burden on the healthcare system. Baclofen is one of only a few options for treating spasticity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy on severe40.23 spasticity and motor function in patients with cerebral palsy.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review in PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. We included studies based on eligibility criteria that included desired participants (cerebral palsy patients with spasticity), interventions (intrathecal baclofen), and outcomes (the Ashworth scales and the Gross Motor Function Measure [GMFM]). The within-group Cohen's d standardized mean differences (SMD) were analyzed using the random effect model.
RESULTS
We screened 768 papers and included 19 in the severity of spasticity section and 6 in the motor function section. The pre-intervention average spasticity score (SD) was 3.2 (0.78), and the post-intervention average score (SD) was 1.9 (0.72), showing a 40.25% reduction. The SMD for spasticity reduction was - 1.7000 (95% CI [-2.1546; -1.2454], p-value < 0.0001), involving 343 patients with a weighted average age of 15.78 years and a weighted average baclofen dose of 289 µg/day. The SMD for the MAS and Ashworth Scale subgroups were - 1.7845 (95% CI [-2.8704; -0.6986]) and - 1.4837 (95% CI [-1.8585; -1.1088]), respectively. We found no relationship between the participants' mean age, baclofen dose, measurement time, and the results. The pre-intervention average GMFM (SD) was 40.03 (26.01), and the post-intervention average score (SD) was 43.88 (26.18), showing a 9.62% increase. The SMD for motor function using GMFM was 0.1503 (95% CI [0.0784; 0.2223], p-value = 0.0030), involving 117 patients with a weighted average age of 13.63 and a weighted average baclofen dose of 203 µg/day. In 501 ITB implantations, 203 medical complications were reported, including six new-onset seizures (2.96% of medical complications), seven increased seizure frequency (3.45%), 33 infections (16.26%), eight meningitis (3.94%), and 16 cerebrospinal fluid leaks (7.88%). Delivery system complications, including 75 catheter and pump complications, were also reported.
CONCLUSION
Despite the risk of complications, ITB has a significant impact on the reduction of spasticity. A small but statistically significant improvement in motor function was also noted in a group of patients.
Topics: Baclofen; Humans; Muscle Spasticity; Cerebral Palsy; Injections, Spinal; Muscle Relaxants, Central; Treatment Outcome; Severity of Illness Index; Motor Activity
PubMed: 38678195
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03647-7 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Apr 2024GNB1 encephalopathy is a rare genetic disease caused by pathogenic variants in the G Protein Subunit Beta 1 (GNB1) gene, with only around 68 cases documented worldwide.... (Review)
Review
GNB1 encephalopathy is a rare genetic disease caused by pathogenic variants in the G Protein Subunit Beta 1 (GNB1) gene, with only around 68 cases documented worldwide. Although most cases had been caused by de novo germline mutations, in this case, the pathogenic variant was inherited from patient's mother, indicating an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The patient presented at 25 years of age with mild developmental delay and cognitive impairment, prominent generalized dystonia, and horizontal nystagmus which are all characterizing symptoms of GNB1 encephalopathy. Electroencephalography (EEG) showed no epileptiform patterns, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hypointensities in globus pallidus and dentate nucleus areas. The main theory for GNB1 encephalopathy pathogenesis is neuronal hyperexcitability caused by impaired ion channel regulation. Due to low specificity of symptoms, diagnosis relies on genetic testing. As there are no standardized GNB1 encephalopathy treatment guidelines, evaluation of different treatment options is based on anecdotal cases. Reviewing different treatment options, deep brain stimulation and intrathecal baclofen pump, as well as some other medications still in preclinical trials, seem to be the most promising.
Topics: Humans; GTP-Binding Protein beta Subunits; Adult; Brain Diseases; Electroencephalography; Female; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male
PubMed: 38674235
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040589 -
Psychoradiology 2023This article reviews the previous studies on the distinction between food cravings and appetite, and how they are regulated by hormones and reflected in brain activity.... (Review)
Review
This article reviews the previous studies on the distinction between food cravings and appetite, and how they are regulated by hormones and reflected in brain activity. Based on existing research, food cravings are defined as individual preferences influenced by hormones and psychological factors, which differ from appetite, as they are not necessarily related to hunger or nutritional needs. The article also evaluates the neuroimaging findings about food cravings, and interventions to reduce food cravings, such as mindfulness training, alternative sweeteners, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and imaginal retraining, and points out their advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. Furthermore, the article delves into the potential future directions in the field, emphasizing the need for a neuroendocrine perspective, considerations for associated psychiatric disorders, innovative clinical interventions, and emerging therapeutic frontiers in obesity management. The article outlines the neuro-endocrine basis of food cravings, including ghrelin, leptin, melanocortin, oxytocin, glucagon-like peptide-1, baclofen, and other hormones and their brain regions of action. The article argues that food cravings are an important target for obesity, and more research is needed to explore their complex characteristics and mechanisms, and how to effectively interact with their neuro-endocrine pathways. The article provides a new perspective and approach to the prevention and treatment of obesity.
PubMed: 38666104
DOI: 10.1093/psyrad/kkad023 -
Hematology, Transfusion and Cell Therapy Feb 2024The stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare and disabling neurological disorder characterized by muscle stiffness, painful spasms and rigidity involving the proximal and...
INTRODUCTION
The stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare and disabling neurological disorder characterized by muscle stiffness, painful spasms and rigidity involving the proximal and axial limb muscles, with an estimated incidence of 1 case per million per year. The first line of treatment for symptomatic management includes gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic agonists, benzodiazepines and baclofen. The therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), alone or as an adjuvant to other forms of immunomodulation, has been used as a therapeutic option, particularly in refractory cases.
METHODS
An observational study was performed to review SPS patient symptoms, comorbidities, electromyography (EMG) studies and treatment, identifying autoantibodies, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) procedural details and clinical response.
MAIN RESULTS
Five patients (4 male and one female) were treated with TPE during the study period as adjuvant therapy. The average age was 47 years (range 34 - 61 years), and anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65-kilodalton isoform (anti-GAD65) antibodies were positive in 80 % (4/5) of the patient population. All patients received immunosuppressive drugs along with TPE. Four patients received TPE during the first admission and one received it during the third hospital admission. All patients showed good improvement immediately after TPE, but it was not a sustainable effect.
CONCLUSION
TPE may be helpful as adjuvant therapy for SPS patients to provide relief from clinical symptoms.
PubMed: 38614933
DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2023.11.014